Fixation On The Darkness – Killswitch Engage

Explore the crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and dynamic metal guitar techniques of Killswitch Engage's classic track "Fixation On The Darkness" with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com. This lesson breaks down every section of the song, from its hard-hitting intro to its harmonically rich lead parts, helping you master the guitar techniques that define this metalcore masterpiece.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your rhythm chops, build stamina with alternate picking, or explore melodic lead work, this lesson is packed with useful techniques that will elevate your playing. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists: Adam Dutkiewicz & Joel Stroetzel

Killswitch Engage's guitar duo Adam Dutkiewicz and Joel Stroetzel are widely regarded as pioneers of the metalcore genre. Known for their precise riffing, harmonic sensibility, and explosive stage presence, their playing balances brutal rhythm work with beautifully harmonised leads and melodic interludes. Adam, who also serves as the band’s producer, is known for his inventive use of guitar tones and arrangements, while Joel adds a grounded, rock-solid rhythm style. Together, their influence on modern metal guitar playing is immense, inspiring countless players with their technical prowess and emotionally-driven playing.

Technique Focus & Benefits

Palm Muting

The intro riff and many rhythm sections throughout the song make heavy use of palm muting to deliver tight, percussive chugs that give the track its aggressive edge. Practicing this technique helps players develop right-hand control and adds rhythmic punch to their playing.

Alternate Picking

The high-speed riffing sections of "Fixation On The Darkness" require precision alternate picking. Working on this technique increases picking efficiency and allows for faster, more articulate playing, especially in riff-dense sections.

Power Chords

As with many metal tracks, power chords form the backbone of the song's rhythm guitar parts. Mastering these shapes and transitions boosts chord accuracy and strengthens your fretting hand.

Pinched Harmonics

Scattered throughout the riffs are sharp, squealing pinched harmonics that add a snarling character to the guitar tone. Learning this technique enhances your expressive range and gives your playing that signature metal bite.

Slides

Several transitions between riffs and lead licks use smooth slides to connect phrases. Slides improve fretboard fluency and add a vocal-like quality to your phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Melodic runs and licks in the song employ hammer-ons and pull-offs to achieve fluid legato phrasing. These techniques help develop finger independence and speed.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

One of Killswitch Engage’s most iconic trademarks is their dual guitar harmonies, prominently featured in the lead parts of this track. Learning these harmonies deepens your understanding of intervals and enhances your melodic phrasing.

String Bending

Emotive string bending is used in some of the lead parts to add feeling and dynamics. Bending improves pitch accuracy and adds an expressive touch to solos.

Trills

Quick-fire trills appear in some of the more aggressive lead parts, requiring precision and control. Practicing trills strengthens finger agility and adds a dramatic flair to your phrasing.

Why Learn "Fixation On The Darkness"?

Learning this song offers a well-rounded challenge for intermediate to advanced guitarists. It combines tight rhythm guitar, melodic lead parts, and expressive phrasing in one track. It’s perfect for players looking to build technique in a musical context, improve timing, and understand the interplay between two guitarists in a metalcore setting. With our step-by-step breakdown, you’ll not only play the song note for note but also understand the techniques that make it such an impactful piece.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Trills
• String Bending
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

Start mastering "Fixation On The Darkness" today at LickLibrary.com and bring the firepower of Killswitch Engage’s guitar work into your own playing.